EastEnders actor Scott Maslen has reportedly been accused of assaulting a disabled man in London’s Regents Park after an argument about dog poo.
Michael Kelly, 55, who has multiple sclerosis, told the Sun that he was left with whiplash and needed stitches to his nose in hospital after the altercation.
The Metropolitan Police is investigating the alleged assault, which took place on October 19.
Dog walker Mr Kelly, who sometimes uses a stick or wheelchair due to MS affecting his central nervous system, said he was walking his four-year-old labradoodle, Ned, with his son-in-law at the time.
Mr Kelly claimed he was on his phone when he heard a man shouting behind him, urging him to pick up Ned’s poo more quickly.
“He was shouting obscenities,” Mr Kelly said. “I told him I’d pick it up when I was ready. It was unbelievable.”
Mr Kelly alleged that Maslen called him a “mug” and unleashed a torrent of foul and abusive language before a scuffle broke out.
According to The Sun, this left Mr Kelly with a fractured eye socket. His daughter drove him to hospital, where he received stitches and ongoing eye treatment.
He said his daughter took photos of his injures and passed them to the Met.
“A woman dog-walker screamed and said she was ringing the police,” he added.
“As I struggled to get up I recognised the man and said, ‘You’re in EastEnders’.
“I gathered my thoughts and said, ‘You’re not in EastEnders now. This is real life’.
“I managed to take two photographs at the scene.”
A source, who is said to be close to the actor, said: “The bloke wasn’t on his phone and just appeared to be staring at his dog’s business, refusing to pick it up.
“Scott asked him if he was going to pick it up, and if he wanted a poo bag to do so.
“A row started, escalated by the other man who grabbed Scott.
"He started a fight. They were on the floor but as soon as it was over Scott walked away.”
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police are continuing to investigate an assault on a 55-year old man in Regent’s Park after it was reported on Saturday, October 19.
“Officers are now in their early stages of the investigation and are supporting the victim. No arrests have been made.
“Anyone with information concerning this incident should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting Connect ref: 01/981547/24 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Mr Maslen’s representatives have been approached for comment.
The actor finished fourth in the 2010 edition of Strictly Come Dancing and previously starred in The Bill.
